Gordon Abia Johnson

Gordon Abia Johnson of Bountiful passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 30, 2017, just 13 days before his 94th birthday. He was born December 13th, 1923 in Ogden, Utah, to parents William Wallace Johnson and Alice M. May. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Bill Johnson, Martha Barney, Joan Johnson, Ruth Hanson, and Richard Johnson.  Gordon married Joyce Lucille Vannice, from Plains, Montana, on September 5, 1948. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.

Gordon came from a pioneer lineage of talented creative ancestors.  He graduated from Ogden High School and attended Weber State College.  After serving for 3 years with the Army in the Philippines during WWII, he opened his own photography studio. He then joined Gardner Advertising Agency, where he spent his professional career creating ad campaigns for many local businesses.  He wrote and produced thousands of radio and television commercials including the “Let’s All Go to Dee’s” campaign.  Gordon wrote the “Let’s All Go to Dee’s” jingle, and wrote and produced all of Dee’s advertising for 25 years.  Gordon also wrote and produced radio and television advertising for Sear’s stores in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Southern California, and for Deseret Industries and America First Credit Union.  Gordon is survived by his half-brother James and his wife (Mary) of Roseville, CA. 

Gordon had two sweethearts–after the passing of his wife, Joyce, in 1990, Gordon married Carol Whittier Toller of Bountiful on November 22, 1997. They celebrated 20 years of marriage just 8 days before Gordon’s passing. Her children and grandchildren brought great joy to his life.

Gordon was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; serving in numerous ward and stake positions.  He was especially grateful for the opportunity to serve for many years as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple.  He loved living in Bountiful. He gave many hours of service to the city, including chairing the Bountiful Handcart Parade for several years.

Gordon was a very talented entertainer–singing, acting, and dancing his way into thousands of hearts. He performed for church gatherings, community events, and performed in many theaters throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including 41 productions at the Hale Center Theater. During the last two decades of his life, Gordon shared his talent with residents of nursing homes throughout the Wasatch Front.

Gordon loved stream fly fishing, camping, skiing, gardening and spending time with his family.  He loved camping trips with his family, leaving early in the morning and being out on a river by noon.  He always caught his limit for the day.  He became a master gardener and his family and neighbors all benefited from his prolific garden produce, especially his sweet corn.

Gordon is survived by his half-brother James and his wife (Mary) of Roseville, CA.  He will be greatly missed by his children, Steven Johnson, Salt Lake City, Barbara Smith (Scott), Bountiful, David Johnson (Tammy) Boise, Idaho, and Christine Johnson, Bountiful.  Carol’s children will be eternally grateful for his love and care of their mother: Paul (Audrey) Toller, Kaysville, Dan (Stephanie) Toller, Mesa, AZ, Scott (Janelle) Toller, Brandon, Mississippi, Tammie (Sean) Hosman, Bountiful, and Brent (Mindy) Toller, Kaysville.

Gordon will also be missed by his wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

Family and friends are invited for a viewing on Thursday, December 7, from 5 – 7 PM, at the Val Verda Stake Center, located at 2651 South 500 West in Bountiful.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 12 O’clock Noon in the same Val Verda Stake Center, with a viewing from 10:30 – 11:30 AM.  Interment will follow at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

Gordon was a patient, kind, and loving husband, father, and granddad.  He will be remembered as an entertainer who loved the stage and performing for an audience. In lieu of flowers, Gordon’s family would be honored to have you donate in his name to Hale Center Theater.